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Police investigation follows patient deaths.

The deaths of four patients have triggered a police investigation at a medical practice in Alderney in the Channel Islands.

The Eagle Medical Practice, Ollivier Street, St Anne's, is run by Dr Rory Lyons, who has been suspended by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.

Guernsey Police chief, Patrick Rice, said: "Concerns were raised with the Health and Social Services Department (HSSD) following the death of a patient who had been under the care of the Eagle Medical Practice. A preliminary internal investigation found three further deaths of concern before it was referred to police. No one has been arrested."

Mr Rice said the investigation would be "complex and take time to establish the full facts.”

He added that family liaison officers had been sent to Alderney and further information would be released when available.

Items, including documents, have been removed from the surgery which is understood to have around 500 patients. A private residence in Alderney has also been searched.

Chief officer of the HSSD, which is responsible for the health and well-being of Alderney people, Dr Carol Tozer, said: "Following our internal investigation a doctor was excluded from treating patients at the Mignot Memorial Hospital and the General Medical Council was informed. The GMC has also been notified that this matter is now the subject of a police investigation.

"The GMC has confirmed that the doctor's practice is already under restrictions and that he is being investigated."

She said senior staff had been sent to Alderney to provide information and advice to concerned patients.

GP practices in Alderney are privately-run businesses but the HSSD is the investigating authority for complaints involving its staff or incidents in its facilities.